Monday, January 06, 2014

"Nat West–Barclays–Midlands–Lloyds" *

Last year I suggested Haim might be a band to watch in 2013, it wasn't that much of a long shot given that their first two singles had sold well and that the BBC had chosen them for one of their 'ones to watch' list. Haim duly came up with the goods releasing an album that sold well, a UK tour that sold out and they finished the year with the ultimate musical acolade, an appearance on Jools Holland's Hootenany.

Looking at who might be a possible breakthrough act in 2014 probably should have been something on my 'to do list' at the end of last year but hey ho. The one artist who has impressed me, with just three singles to her name, is Jillian Banks who is known simply as Banks.

Waiting Game is the first track off her third single (EP) called London. She has been described as having a voice similar to Zola Jesus but without the goth attitude. What I think sets Banks apart, so far, is that her each of the songs released so far have a tangible atmosphere to them.

*Manic Street Preachers from their first album "Generation Terrorists"